Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club was formed on 24 June 1901 at a meeting at the Seven Stars pub in Ship Street, Brighton, initially as Brighton & Hove United before being renamed Brighton & Hove Albion. [1]
Design and History
During the club’s early decades, Brighton did not have a consistent crest on its playing shirts. When badges did appear, they drew on the civic heraldry of Brighton and Hove, incorporating martlets, ships and other Sussex symbols. [2]
During the 1974/75 season the club became known as “The Dolphins” and introduced a dolphin-themed badge the following season. The nickname and crest proved short-lived. In 1977, following the “Seagulls” chant that emerged from the rivalry with Crystal Palace, the club introduced a circular crest featuring a flying white seagull against a blue background. This badge was worn during Brighton’s promotion to the First Division in 1979 and the 1983 FA Cup Final run. [3] [2]
In 1998, following the financial difficulties of the 1990s and the loss of the Goldstone Ground, the club introduced a shield-shaped crest with a larger, more detailed seagull. The redesign was intended to signal a fresh start under new chairman Dick Knight. [3] [2]
For the 2001/02 centenary season only, the club set aside the seagull crest and returned to the traditional shields of the former boroughs of Brighton and Hove. [3]
The current crest was introduced in 2011, coinciding with the club’s move to the American Express Stadium. Designed by KSS, the badge returned to a round format, replaced the shield outline, streamlined the seagull, added a yellow beak, and changed the bird’s direction to fly from left to right. The design was intended to reflect the club’s return to a permanent home after years without a stadium. [4] [2]
In December 2025, the club revealed a special 125th anniversary crest and a commemorative font inspired by the crest used between 1956 and 1958, to be used on anniversary content marking the club’s formation in June 2026. [5]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Brighton’s nickname “The Seagulls”?
The nickname emerged during the mid-1970s when Brighton supporters responded to Crystal Palace fans chanting “Eagles” with chants of “Seagulls.” The club adopted a seagull crest in 1977 and has been known as the Seagulls ever since. [3]
Who designed the current Brighton & Hove Albion crest?
The 2011 crest was designed by KSS, following consultation with supporters. [4]
When was the current Brighton crest introduced?
The current circular crest was introduced in 2011, coinciding with the club’s move to the American Express Stadium. [2]
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